Wynn shook it and made a point to lean around Miranda and say, “Thank you, Sarah. I’m sure you had difficulty with my eleventh hour seating request. I appreciate you making it happen.” Wynn knew it wasn’t the Mirandas of the world that did the heavy lifting. It was their assistants who rarely received recognition for their efforts.
The assistant flashed him a grateful smile. “It wasn’t a problem, Mr. Gallagher.” She turned away.
Miranda slipped a hand through his arm. “You’re this way, Mr. Gallagher.”
“Wynn,” he prompted, though he didn’t like how this woman had swept in and brushed off her assistant.
“Wynn then. We are delighted you could make it tonight.”
Inhaling her strong perfume almost made him gag but Wynn was an actor above all else. He engaged in small talk as they crossed the large ballroom and Miranda delivered him to the head table, where several people were taking their seats.
“I hope to see you at the casino party,” Miranda purred. She released his arm and strutted away.
The evening’s host rose from his chair. “Rhett Corrigan.” He offered his hand and Wynn shook it.
“Wynn Gallagher. It’s truly an honor to meet you.”
“You’ve made a successful transition from small to big screen, unlike many actors. That’s no small feat,” Rhett complimented.
“And you broke out of your action mold to do the kind of films you wanted to make. You’re a role model to me, Rhett.”
The actor looked pleased. “Thanks, Wynn. I know I’m going to sound like a fan—and I am—but could we take a selfie together? My kids adore Carbon Man. My stock would rise sky-high in the Corrigan household if I were standing next to you.”
Wynn laughed. “Not a problem.”
Rhett slipped out his camera and took the shot. “Thanks. The kids are too young to see most of my movies so they don’t know how cool I am. To them, I’m just the old guy who embarrasses them.”
He laughed. “I hate to tell them but I’m not cool, either. Carbon Man is the cool guy.”
“Hello, Wynn.” A beautiful woman with copper hair appeared at Rhett’s side and he slipped an arm around her waist.
“Wynn, this is my wife, Cassie.”
“I’m a great admirer of your work,” Wynn said. “You’ve taken Hollywood by storm this past decade.”
“Thank you,” she said. “I’m impressed by your resume, as well. Both of your TV series were favorites of mine and as Carbon Man, you’ve brought some subtle nuances to the stereotypical action hero. Don’t get me wrong. I like action in a film but you’ve shown some moments where the audience can see a great vulnerability within you. It’s a struggle that others can relate to. Not obvious, but it’s there if you look deep enough.”
Her remarks caught Wynn off-guard. “I’m grateful you’ve noticed. I’ve fought hard with each director trying to humanize Carbon Man and make him different from the usual superhero. Not many people notice. They’re all about the explosions.”
Cassie looked at him thoughtfully. “When your commitment to Rylon ends, come see us at RCDS. Breck O’Dell and I have just started writing something. I can actually see you in it. We’ve had a little trouble with the direction we want to take it.” She paused. “In fact, come meet with us next week. We could have dinner. Breck’s in Vegas now because Jo is doing a three-week stand on the Strip. He could easily miss one show and fly in to meet you.”
Wynn’s heart pounded fiercely. “You’re serious. You just met me and want to take a meeting regarding a future movie.”
Cassie shrugged. “I like your work. I read people well. I think you want more than being Carbon Man. Maybe Breck and I could help with that.”
“About that,” Wynn began. He glanced to Rhett. “I read an article featuring your sister. I’m in need of an entertainment lawyer. The thing is, I’m tired of being Carbon Man. I’d do pretty much anything to get out of my contract.”
Rhett’s brows shot up. “I see.” He glanced over Wynn’s shoulder. “Say no more.” He reached out a hand. “Scarlett, I’d like you to meet Wynn Gallagher. He’s in need of representation. It sounds like it could be messy and impossible.”
Scarlett Corrigan flashed Wynn a smile. “My favorite kind of client.”
CHAPTER 3
Scarlett shook Wynn’s hand. An electric buzz traveled up her arm with the contact while his piercing green eyes studied her. She’d never experienced a stronger physical attraction in her life. Wynn Gallagher was at least six-four. With her height and love of heels, they were at eye level. His tailored tuxedo only made her want to see what was under it. She blinked, trying to pull herself together.
“Nice to meet you, Wynn.” Thank goodness her voice sounded normal. Even if her insides had started to run like jelly.
“I’ve read terrific things about you, Scarlett.” His penetrating gaze caused her cheeks to warm. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d blushed.
“Only believe half of what you read,” she said coyly, reluctantly pulling her hand from his. “Have you met everyone at our table?”
“Only your brother and Cassie.”
Scarlett took a deep breath and glanced around. “People are taking their seats.”
Wynn pulled her chair out for her and then took the empty one beside her. Scarlett turned and saw everyone at their table looked on with interest. Too much interest, truth be told.
Turning to her right, she indicated the first couple. “Meet my best friend, Keely Kennedy, and her husband, Mac Randall.”
“A pleasure,” Wynn said politely. Scarlett knew Wynn had to know Keely’s work but Mac would be a mystery. His first film would be released in two weeks—then everyone in America would know exactly how talented Mac was.
“And this is Knox and London Monroe,” she continued.
“I have every CD of yours,” Wynn told London. “Even the lullabies. They’re great for putting big people to sleep, too.”
London smiled. “Thank you
